What is a field trip leader? A Golden Gate Audubon field trip leader is the volunteer most seen by the general public and GGA supporters. They are a birder, who leads groups of interested birdwatchers around the Bay Area and beyond to exciting birding destinations. What began as local trips only has blossomed into backpacking and camping trips other parts of California, thanks to our creative leaders. These birders would not call themselves “experts,” though many of us see them as such. They are able to identify birds by sight or song and have the people skills to assure the group gets along and has a pleasant time on the trip. We would also like to expand our trips to butterflies, dragonflies, native plants, and more!

Golden Gate Audubon is looking for more people like this. With so many interested birdwatchers, we feel there are some great new locations to visit, as well as old locations to revive. Do you have a place you like to frequent for birding? Do you enjoy engaging others in birdwatching? If you are interested in leading bird walks, we have a training coming up on August 22^nd in San Francisco and then another one on August 29^th in Richmond. If you are interested, please contact Jennifer Maddox at 510-843-9374. jrobinson@goldengateaudubon.org for more information.

June 23, 2010

Leader(s):  Hilary Powers and Ruth Tobey

# of participants: 12

# of species: 28

The Double-crested Cormorants are still nesting in huge numbers,  and standing shoulder to shoulder on the floats.  Five White Pelicans, all with brownish heads were preening in the enclosed area, including one with the remnant of a breeding bump.  Two Canada Goose families had four goslings trailing along.  About ten Great Egrets were on one of the islands looking like they were creating a rookery, but it’s too late in the year.  We had good brief looks at a Green Heron stalking the shoreline of the farthest island.

San Leandro to Hayward Bicycle Trip

June 12, 2010

Leader(s):  Kathy Jarrett

# of participants:

# of species: 28

28 species was pretty good for an exceptionally windy warm day. We battled the wind

almost all the way, both bicycling out to the Hayward Shoreline Interpretive Center from San Leandro’s Marina Park and back-and also from San Leandro BART to the shoreline and especially back. Species normally seen on this trip were absent, some of which would be attributed to the time of the year. We were surprised to find a large group of Black-bellied plovers and some Willets just north of Johnson’s Landing (near the Hayward Shoreline Interpretive Center) and pleased to see a large rookery of Forster’s Terns on an island in the marsh nearby.  Avocets and stilts were actively feeding in the bay at low tide and moving into the marshes later. The male Ruddy Duck was brilliant red with the blue bill and accompanied by two females. We saw at least one juvenile stilt and a family of Canada Geese. It was the first time we had seen crabs in the pond off the deck of the Interpretive Center, which might explain a lot of the Forster’s Terns nearby.

Lake Merritt

May 26, 2010

Leader(s):  Hilary Powers and Ruth Tobey

# of participants: 8

# of species: 35

The Double-crested Cormorants are nesting in huge numbers using every available twig  of support for their nests on the islands.  A small flock of Western tanagers were feeding just west of Children’s Fairyland.  We watched a Cooper’s Hawk catch and consume a small bird, probably a chickadee, sparrow or titmouse.   One lone Lesser Scaup female remains at the lake.

Alcatraz Island

April 12, 2010

Leader(s):  Allan Ridley

# of participants: 4

# of species: 20

It was a good morning birding the island.  Between participants missing out by not getting boat tickets in time and the very iffy weather, we ended up with four of us: 2 Audubon members, Betsy Berberian and Ken Osborne, NPS water-bird docent Ed Ryken, a docent-in-training and myself.   Weather was dramatic with great clouds, warm sun, periodic showers and strong winds when we came around to the west side at each end of the island.  Ed Ryken, waterbird docent for the NPS on Alcatraz was very knowledgeable of the birds, their behaviors and likely locations and helpful with Alcatraz lore as well.  Western gulls were claiming nesting sites on the parade ground, in the garden beds…just about everywhere!  The gulls were involved with courtship bowing, calling and mating.  Many were up in the wind soaring, joined by the ravens.  We had an intimate view of a Cooper’s Hawk who appeared to have brought down a pigeon but was frightened off the carcass by our group, flew up to a fence post in clear view.  Our only mammal sighting was a harbor seal bobbing head up along the west shore.

Jewel Lake

April 2, 2010

Leader(s): Phila Rogers

# of participants: 15

# of species: 22

Today we had a low bird count, with few songs and calls at a time which is usually very active.  Two female Buffleheads and Common Mergansers were still on the lake.

Leader: Chris Bard

Number of Participants: 13

Number of Species: 69

With wonderful weather we birded at 8 locations including Crab Cove, Alameda Point, and Lincoln Park.  We saw 4 birds on nests- Red-breasted Nuthatch, Cooper’s Hawk, Anna’s Hummingbird, and Peregrine Falcon on Fruitvale Bridge. Highlights included, Black Oystercatchers, Red-throated Loon, Common Loon in alternate plumage, and Hooded Oriole.  Lots of fun and lots of $ raised for GGA Birdathon!

The weather was perfect, with very little wind, comfortable temperatures, and clear skies.  Day transitioned smoothly into a warm, still, star-studded evening.  Daytime highlights included Wood Ducks and ducklings, an adult Bald Eagle, Golden Eagles, great looks at Lewis’s Woodpeckers, a Bushtit nest, a Rock Wren feeding fledglings, a Canyon Wren, two male Phainopeplas, and many bright male Bullock’s Orioles.

During the trip, at least one participant recorded these 61 species, which I also noted:

Canada Goose

Wood Duck

Mallard

Ring-necked Duck

California Quail

Turkey Vulture

Bald Eagle

Red-shouldered Hawk

Red-tailed Hawk

Golden Eagle

American Kestrel

American Coot

Killdeer

Eurasian Collared-Dove

Mourning Dove

Great Horned Owl

Anna’s Hummingbird

Lewis’s Woodpecker

Acorn Woodpecker

Nuttall’s Woodpecker

Northern Flicker

Black Phoebe

Say’s Phoebe

Ash-throated Flycatcher

Western Kingbird

Western Scrub-Jay

Yellow-billed Magpie

American Crow

Common Raven

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

Tree Swallow

Violet-green Swallow

Oak Titmouse

Bushtit

White-breasted Nuthatch

Rock Wren

Canyon Wren

Bewick’s Wren

House Wren

Western Bluebird

American Robin

Wrentit

California Thrasher

European Starling

Phainopepla

Orange-crowned Warbler

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Spotted Towhee

California Towhee

Rufous-crowned Sparrow

Chipping Sparrow

Lark Sparrow

Song Sparrow

Red-winged Blackbird

Tricolored Blackbird

Brewer’s Blackbird

Brown-headed Cowbird

Bullock’s Oriole

House Finch

Canada Goose and Chipping Sparrow were new to the trip’s cumulative list since 1986.

Participants noted thirteen species that I missed (what was I doing all day?), for a total of 72 species as shown on the cumulative trip list:

Wild Turkey

Great Egret

White-tailed Kite

Band-tailed Pigeon

White-throated Swift

Rufous Hummingbird

Belted Kingfisher

Downy Woodpecker

Loggerhead Shrike

Wilson’s Warbler

White-crowned Sparrow

Golden-crowned Sparrow

Lazuli Bunting

As happens every year, we missed some species that have been near regular recently:

Costa’s Hummingbird

Warbling Vireo

Cliff Swallow

Northern Mockingbird

Cedar Waxwing

Black-headed Grosbeak

Western Meadowlark

Lesser Goldfinch

Lawrence’s Goldfinch

Thanks to all for making this a very enjoyable trip to lead.

Dave Quady

April 25, 2010

Golden Gate Park

Sunday, May 2, 8 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

Alan Ridley, allanrid@pacbell.net; Helen McKenna, 415.566.3241; Ginny Marshall; Dominik Mosur, polskatata@yahoo.com

Meet at the front gate of the garden in Golden Gate Park, 9th Ave. at Lincoln Way. This delightful section of the park has several micro-habitats that attract an array of resident, migrant, and vagrant birds. This monthly trip is oriented toward helping beginning birders develop their skills in spotting and identifying birds.

Jewel Lake

Tilden Regional Park, Berkeley

Friday, May 7, 8:30 – 10:30 a.m.

Phila Rogers, 510.848.9156, philajane6@yahoo.com

We continue our monthly first Friday trips at Tilden Park. Meet at the parking lot at the north end of Central Park Dr. for a 1-mile, 2-hour-plus stroll through this lush riparian area. In early April, the spring breeding birds are returning, and many will be singing.  We’ll look for Black-headed Grosbeaks, Wilson’s Warblers, and Warbling Vireos, among others.

Wildcat Canyon Regional Park

El Cerrito, Contra Costa County

Saturday, May 8, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Malcolm Sproul, 925.376.8945

Meet by the Arlington Clubhouse on Arlington Ave. in El Cerrito, next to the tennis courts between Brewster Dr. and Thors Day Rd. We’ll drive to the trailhead on Rifle Range Rd., then walk a hilly transect of the canyon to bird the brushlands, oak woodlands, riparian areas, and grasslands. This is a 5-mile hike led and is being by Malcolm Sproul for the 30th year! Bring lunch and liquids.

2010 Annual Spring Bird Survey

Presidio, San Francisco

Saturday, May 8, 8 a.m. – noon

Steve Phillips, SPhillips@presidiotrust.gov, 415.561.4446

Celebrate International Migratory Bird Day by collecting data on the Presidio’s breeding bird species. Since 2005, one morning each spring, volunteer bird-watchers have walked one of eight designated routes through the Presidio counting species of concern such as Wrentits, Wilson’s Warblers, and Olive-sided Flycatchers.

These estimates will help document trends in bird populations in the Presidio and the effect that restoration and reforestation are having on breeding habitat in the park. The data is only strengthened by continued monitoring—but we need your help. Novice birders will be paired with experienced birders, so this is a great way to learn to identify common San Francisco birds both by sight and by their spring songs. After walking their routes, teams will reconvene at the Crissy Field Center to share their birding highlights. The walk will begin at the old Crissy Field Center, located at the corner of 603 Mason and Halleck St.

Garin Regional Park

Hayward, Alameda County

Sunday, May 9, 8 a.m.

Anne Hoff, anne2210b@sbcglobal.net

Birds we might see are breeders in spring plumage, including goldfinches and finches, orioles, Western Bluebirds, swallows, and sparrows. It is likely we will see raptors soaring over the hillside.

Take I-880 south to Tennyson Rd. (exit 26). Drive east on Tennyson to Mission Blvd., turn right, and go south on Mission for about 1 mile. Turn left onto Garin Ave. and continue up the hill. The road ends at the park entrance kiosk. Meet in the parking lot nearest the creek to the left after kiosk. $

Alcatraz Island

Wednesday, May 12: Bob Lewis, bob@wingbeats.org

Wednesday, June 9: Eddie Bartley, eddie@naturetrip.com

Spaces may still be available on these trips offered exclusively to Golden Gate Audubon Supporting Members. Each trip is limited to 10 participants. Participants can expect to see numerous breeding birds: Western and California Gulls, Brandt’s and Pelagic Cormorants, Pigeon Guillemots, Snowy Egrets, Black-crowned Night-Herons, and Black Oystercatchers. Participants need to meet at 8:30 a.m. to board the ferry. The trip ends at 11 a.m., though participants may stay on the island later.

Reserve your spot by contacting Stephanie Strait, GGA Office Manager, ggas@goldengateaudubon.org or 510.843.2222. Once you have received confirmation, book space on the ferry with Alcatraz Cruises at 415.981.7625 or www.alcatrazcruises.com. Buy a ticket ($26) for the 9 a.m. Early Bird Tour. Tickets sell out several days in advance, so reserve as soon as possible. The ferry departs from Pier 33, near the corner of Bay St. and Embarcadero. Each walk is about 1.5 hours.

Corona Heights

San Francisco

Friday, May 21, 8 – 10 a.m.

Charles Hibbard; Brian Fitch; Dominik Mosur, polskatata@yahoo.com

Meet in front of the Randall Museum, 199 Museum Way, at the end of Museum Way off Roosevelt. We will enjoy views of the city and bay as we circle Corona Heights, checking the east canyon woodland and the north forest for residents and migrants, as well as monitoring the hilltop scrub and south cliff.

Point Reyes National Seashore

Marin County

Sunday, May 23, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Emilie Strauss, 510-540-8749

Meet at Five Brooks Pond parking lot, located 3–4 miles south of Olema. We will spend the first hour exploring the Five Brooks pond on a flat trail of about .5 mile, where we expect to see Wilson’s Warblers and possibly Wood Duck). Afterward, we will get our lunches, water, and daypacks from our cars and head upslope into the forest searching for Pileated Woodpecker while listening to a chorus of Winter Wrens. The hike will be about 4 miles round-trip, and we may climb as much as 800 feet. We will picnic on a flat spot with downed logs if we can find one. The trail may be muddy, and the weather may be foggy and cool.

Lake Merritt and Lakeside Park

Oakland, Alameda County

Wednesday, May 26, 9:30 a.m. – noon

Meet at the large spherical cage near the Nature Center at Perkins and Bellevue. We will bird around there, then go up the garden path toward Children’s Fairyland or walk down the lake toward Embarcadero, after which we will cover what we missed. Now that spring has arrived at Lake Merritt, come see our regular visitors and, with luck, a few surprises, too.

Take the 12, N, or NL bus to Grand and Perkins, and walk into the park on Perkins. The best parking is at the boathouse lot near the spherical cage. Entry (via Bellevue near Children’s Fairyland) is probably free on weekday mornings, but will be $3 if the kiosk is occupied when you arrive.

Hayward, Alameda County

Saturday, June 5, 8:45 a.m. – noon

Rusty Scalf, rscalf@sonic.net, 510.666.9936 (email preferred)

We will meet at the Hayward Shoreline Interpretive Center on Breakwater Avenue (www.haywardrec.org/hayshore.html). At 9 a.m., we will proceed to the water reclamation area, located behind the locked gate. This area has been great for nesting waterfowl and herons. Redhead and Lesser Scaup have nested here successfully during more than one season; both nest very rarely in the Bay Area. Eared Grebes have nested here as well. From a distance, we will observe a tern colony that has had both Forster’s and Least Terns. Avocets and stilts ought to have young by this date.

This trip is limited to 20 participants. Please contact Rusty to save a spot; latecomers will not be admitted.

Lassen Volcanic National Park

Friday to Sunday, June 25–27

Dan and Joan Murphy, 415.564.0074, murphsf@comcast.net (email preferred)

The 2010 GGA trip to Lassen will take place on the extended weekend of June 25–27. We will have a preview event on the evening of June 24. Camping facilities are available at the Manzanita Lake Campground. About half the sites are on a first-come, first-served basis. For reserved sites, check online at www.recreation.gov or call 877.444.6777. Lodging is available about 15 miles north of the park at Hat Creek Restort, Old Station, 530.335.7121. Other information is available from the park headquarters, Mineral, CA 96063. Details about this trip will appear on the Golden Gate Audubon website and in the Summer Gull.

Mono Lake and Eastern Sierra

July 9–11, Friday–Sunday
Emilie Strauss, 510-540-8749; Rusty Scalf, rscalf@sonic.net

Meet at Mono Lake County Park at 8 a.m., Friday, July 9. We will visit the west and south shores of Mono Lake, Lundy and Lee Vining Canyons, and Saddlebag Lake. The third day, we will be at over 10,000 feet and will spend the day hiking, with a significant climb. Participants must be in good physical condition.

This trip is limited to 20 participants. Please contact the trip leaders to reserve your spot.  More information to be found in the Summer Gull.

April 28, 2010

Leader(s): Hilary Powers

# of participants: 2

# of species: 27

The Double-crested Cormorants are getting creative about nesting sites.  To make up for the loss of one of their bare trees they are nesting in the shade and on the broken tree stump itself.  The Black Phoebe in the corporation yard has three nestlings near fledging.  An Anna-s Hummingbird has nested near El Embarcadero.

Sibley Volcanic Regional Park

April 25, 2010

Leader(s): Rusty Scalf

# of participants: 10

# of species: 51

A Blue-gray Gnatcatcher was apparently on his territory.  A Hutton’s Vireo was gathering nesting material.  We  had a great study of a Pygmy Nuthatch at its nest.  Also seen were Golden Eagle, Northern Flicker, Hermit Thrush, California Thrasher, Western Tanager, Spotted Towhee, Lazuli Bunting.

Big Break and Marsh Creek Trail Bicycle Trip

April 10, 2010

Leader(s): Kathy Jarrett

# of participants:

# of species:  37

Highlights: Western Kingbirds, Green Heron, Bonaparte’s Gulls, pair of Northern Harriers.  We started at the new trailhead which is the first right just past Vintage Parkway and went out to the new fishing pier to have a good view of the water. The wind was in our faces and there was the threat of rain, so we went nearly to Sunset Rd on the trail before turning back, about 17 miles in all. Between Delta and Sunset Roads the trail passes a sewage treatment plant where we saw the Antioch? Primrose and a Fremontia tree in bloom. The Bonaparte’s Gulls and a large number of Northern Shovelers were at the Ironhouse Sanitary District Sewage ponds which are only a short distance in from the trailhead at Fetzer and Jordan Lanes.  

Coyote Creek Bicycle Trip

April 3, 2010

Leader(s): Kathy Jarrett

# of participants: 6

# of species:  41

The highlights were the White-tailed Kite, Common Goldeneye, the Spotted Towhee, and  the Red-shouldered Hawk. Although the day was cold and overcast we did manage to see 41 species. We rode about 8 miles south from Stonegate Elementary School  near Tully Road on the Coyote Creek Trail, going just beyond Metcalf Park where we had lunch. I have decided not to add this to my list of regular bicycle-birding trips because we had to drive to San Jose, the trail is sometimes annoyingly close to Hwy 101, and the bird density was not high. The number of duck species would probably be higher in the winter, but then the trail might be impassable at quite a few spots.  The SF Bay Trail, the Alameda Creek Trail, and Don Edwards-Alviso are much more rewarding bicycle-birding spots.  I have given up doing the Iron Horse Trail between Dublin and Pleasant Hill because of the encroachment of suburbia and the heart-breaking loss of Burrowing Owl habitat. Six of us barely avoided hypothermia between 9 am and 1:30 pm, only to have the sun come out after our trip. Still it was a good ride.

American River Bicycle Trip

March 27-28, 2010

Leader(s): Kathy Jarrett

# of participants: 10

# of species: 77

It was a magical weekend for Red-shouldered Hawks on the trail, and the weather was perfect. Nine people took the train from the East Bay to Sacramento, and one drove because she could only do one day of the two-day trip. We covered 60 miles during the two days and we either biked or walked to the restaurant about a mile from the hotel.

Although it is only at most one-half mile away, quite often one is unaware of the surrounding urban environment while on the trail. In addition to 77 species of birds we also saw deer, Jack-rabbits frolicking, an otter, mouse, rattlesnake, a coyote pup losing its winter coat and quite a few squirrels. We saw several rookeries of egrets, Double-crested Cormorants and Great Blue Herons, an intricately woven hanging nest with a House Finch hovering above and a pair of Pie-billed Grebes tending a nest anchored in reeds. From the Yellow-billed Magpies in Sacramento’s Discovery Park to the White-breasted Nuthatch in the oak woodland adjacent to Lake Natoma in Folsom it was a great weekend for bird-watching.

Lake Merritt and Lakeside Park

March 24, 2010

Leader(s): Hilary Powers and Ruth Tobey

# of participants: 11

# of species: 47

The double-crested Cormorants are nesting; many have made their nests in the leafy trees on the islands since there are just a couple of leafless trees left.  The Horned and Eared Grebes are in breeding plumage.  The Ruddy Ducks are entering breeding plumage.  A Cassin’s Vireo was foraging in the oak trees near Children’s Fairyland in a mixed flock with Chestnut-backed Chickadees, Yellow-rumped Warblers, a Nuttall’s Woodpecker and some Townsend’s Warblers.  Bushtits are nesting in the garden, the Black Phoebe is nesting at the maintenance building site where she has been for several years.

Fremont BART to Coyote Hills Bicycle Trip

March 13, 2010

Leader(s): Kathy Jarrett

# of participants: 8

# of species: 56

We biked from Fremont BART to Coyote Hills on this cold, clear day with water rushing down Alameda Creek and found an explosion of Canada Geese, Mallards, Pigeons and Starlings.. We saw a Red-shouldered Hawk near the freeway where we have seen them many times before. Even at the Coyote Hills EBRPD Visitor Center we did not see that many birds other than the explosion birds. It was only after we biked out on the part of Alameda Creek that extends beyond the park that we saw large numbers of birds which were mostly sheltering from the wind, and we saw the Chilean Flamingo that forages in the salt ponds. On the way back we found a group of Ring-necked Ducks just west of Decoto Rd.

Point Isabel

March 7, 2010

Leader(s): Rusty Scalf

# of participants: 36

# of species: 45

Our walk provided excellent views of shorebirds in good light.  Good bird species included Clapper Rail, Common Merganser, Osprey, Black Oystercatcher, Whimbrel, and Long-billed Curlew.

Jewel Lake

March 5, 2010

Leader(s): Phila Rogers

# of participants: 20

# of species: 21

A good-sized group showed up at the parking lot this morning.  And no wonder.  It was the first mild, rainless day in awhile.  However, the birds were not particularly abundant in numbers or species.  But we were greeted with good views of a Red-shouldered Hawk high in a eucalyptus who called attention to himself with his persistent calls.  Along the way we had frequent views of Ruby-crowned Kinglets who appeared even more active than usual and sang continuously — both sure signs that this well-loved winter resident will soon be leaving us.

Above the ridgeline to the west, we watched a likely Sharp-shinned Hawk beneath a swirl of White-throated Swifts.

At the lake, a number of buffleheads, male and female, are still in residence along with three Common Mergansers.  The male was stunning with his bright white undersides, black head and neck shimmering iridescent green, and his bright orange slender bill.

Other years we have heard early season singing Orange-crowned Warblers, but not today.  We did get good looks at an Allen’s Hummingbird which is one of the earliest-arriving breeding birds.

Next month, we hope to have the new Tilden and Wildcat Canyon bird list available — an authoritative list of what to see in every season put together by Dave Quady with contributions from other expert birders in the area.

Lake Merritt and Lakeside Park

February 24, 2010

Leader(s): Hilary Powers and Ruth Tobey

# of participants: 6

# of species: 48

Our morning started with a perfect scope view of a Green Heron at the water’s edge on the nearest island.  Our  resident “rescue” White Pelican has a companion already.  Some Double-crested Cormorants are showing their crests, but are not yet nesting.  A Horned Grebe was entering breeding plumage.  We also got close good looks at Oak Titmouse, Tufted Duck and Ring-necked Duck.

March 10, 2010

Leader(s): Bob Lewis

# of participants: 20

# of species: 52

Crisp but sunny day, with harriers chasing a Red-tailed Hawk and ravens chasing a kite.  The swallows have returned in force, with 4 species circling over the ponds and meadows.  Notable were two white (probably snow) geese, a Eurasian Wigeon, Green Heron and two posing Lincoln’s Sparrows.

Pinnacles National Monument

February 28, 2010

Leader(s): Bob Lewis and Rusty Scalf

# of participants: 26

# of species: 44

We were fortunate to have beautiful weather in the middle of a period of storms.  Seven California Condors, including a copulating pair, were the clear highlights of our trip along with the first park record of a Virginia Rail.  Golden Eagle, California Quail, Yellow-billed Magpie,  California Thrasher were other memorable species.

Delta Cruise on Delphinius

February 20, 2010

Leader(s): Bob Lewis

# of participants: 28

# of species: 70

28 GGAS members enjoyed a gap in the rainy weather aboard the Delphinus, on a tour in the Delta from Antioch.  Thousands of Tundra Swans, Snow/Ross’s Geese, White-fronted Geese; Northern Shovelers, Northern Pintail and American Wigeon.  We  had great looks at American Bittern, Beaver, swimming Racoons and a glimpse of River Otter.

Richmond to Berkeley on the Bay Trail Bicycle Trip

February 15, 2010

Leader(s): Kathy Jarrett

# of participants: 8

# of species: 53

With a great deal of fog we started at S 51st St in Richmond, went north to Meeker Slough, then south ending at the Sea Breeze Market in Berkeley in bright sunshine. The wind was practically nonexistent and the water was calm. From Richmond to Albany we saw quite a few Green-winged Teals and a number of other ducks. We had a good discussion about identifying a Bufflehead, finally going to the bird book and seeing that our bird looked exactly like the picture of the 1st winter male Bufflehead; there is a resemblance to the Ruddy Duck, but the bill was wrong and upon closer examination we saw that the feathers on the sides of the head were showing a great deal of white through the black. Near the racetrack in Albany we saw quite a few Surf Scoters. It was then that the fog retreated and we could see birds away from the shoreline. A Loon was spotted, then Ravens. We turned off the trail just north of University Ave in Berkeley and saw a Northern Harrier, Red-Tailed Hawk, White-tailed Kite and a Cooper’s Hawk in that vicinity. The Cooper’s Hawk posed for us for a long time on the top of a telephone pole.

Jewel Lake, Tilden Park

February 5, 2010

Leader(s): Phila Rogers

# of participants: 5

# of species: 16

Five participants in the regular monthly Jewel Lake walk had the pleasure of seeing four river otters cavorting in the lake.  This may well be the “Gang of Four” that spent several days earlier at Jewel Lake.  They may have shown up doing the night, as an early morning walker reported them.  They don’t appear to be feeding at the moment — simply enjoying themselves on this fine February morning.  When they will leave or where they will go next is anyone’s guess, but the best possibility is that they may be coming up from the EBMUD reservoirs over the hill. (In spite of their aquatic preferences and short legs, they can walk long distances overland).  They were sharing the lake with five Hooded Mergansers, several male and female buffleheads and one Green Heron standing on a log on the far side of the lake near the otter haul-out spot.

Lake Merritt and Lakeside Park

January 27, 2010

Leader(s): Hilary Powers and Ruth Tobey

# of participants: 13

# of species: 42

The clear highlight of today’s trip was the first-ever sighting of a Red-necked Grebe at the lake; we got great scope looks at that bird.  But a close runner-up was a single tree with three woodpecker species: Downy Woodpecker, Nuttall’s  Woodpecker and a Red-breasted Sapsucker.    The Canada Geese are pairing up.  We watched two female Common Goldeneye fighting each other  near a displaying male.   Groups of male Common Goldeneye were practicing their displays.  The White Pelican is starting to get his breeding bump on his beak.

Merced County

Tuesday, March 2, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Bob Lewis, Bob@wingbeats.org, 510.845.5001

We will meet at Merced National Wildlife Refuge and continue on to San Luis National Refuge, looking for Sandhill Cranes, Snow and Ross’s Geese and other waterfowl, and raptors, along with Tule Elk. We may make other stops in the area. Bring lunch and a walkie-talkie if you have one. Allow about 2.5 hours’ driving time from Berkeley. Trip is limited to 30 participants; contact the leader to reserve a space. Carpooling is advisable.

From I-5, exit at Los Banos/Hwy. 152 east and take Hwy. 152 into Los Banos. Turn left on Mercey Springs Rd., go about 3 miles, and turn right on Henry Miller Rd. Continue for about 7 miles to Turner Island Rd. (four-way stop) and turn left. After 5.25 miles, turn right onto Sand Slough Rd., which curves to the left and becomes Nickel Rd. After about 1 mile, the road makes a sharp right and becomes Sandy Mush Rd. Continue for about 3.5 miles to refuge entrance on right (south) side of road.

Jewel Lake

Tilden Regional Park, Berkeley

Friday, March 5, 8:30 – 10:30 a.m.

Phila Rogers, 510.848.9156, philajane6@yahoo.com

We continue our monthly first Friday trips at Tilden. Meet at the parking lot at the north end of Central Park Dr. for a 1-mile, 2-hour-plus stroll through this lush riparian area. Winter birds are still present, and resident birds are beginning to sing their spring songs.

Golden Gate Park and Lands End

San Francisco

Saturday, March 6, 8 a.m.

Harry Fuller, anzatowhee@yahoo.com

Meet at the north end of North Lake in Golden Gate Park, accessed where 45th Ave. enters the park at Fulton. We’ll bird the park’s western end and also the Lands End area. We should find plenty of wintering birds and year-round residents, as well as some early spring returnees such as Allen’s Hummingbird.

Point Isabel Regional Shoreline

Richmond, Contra Costa County

Sunday March 7, 9 a.m. – noon

Rusty Scalf, rscalf@sonic.net

Point Isabel provides rich birding opportunities, particularly when year-round residents are joined by migrating field birds and shorebirds.

From I-580 or I-80, take Central Ave. west to Rydin Rd. Turn right on Rydin and continue to the parking lot.

San Francisco Botanical Garden

Golden Gate Park

Sunday, March 7, 8 – 10:30 a.m.

Alan Ridley, allanrid@pacbell.net; Helen McKenna, 415.566.3241; Ginny Marshall; Dominik Mosur, polskatata@yahoo.com

Meet at the front gate of the garden, 9th Ave. at Lincoln Way. This delightful section of the park has several micro-habitats that attract an array of resident, migrant, and vagrant birds. This monthly trip is oriented toward helping beginning birders develop their skills in spotting and identifying birds.

Las Gallinas Water Treatment Facility

Marin County

Wednesday, March 10, 9 a.m. – noon

Bob Lewis, Bob@wingbeats.org, 510.845.5001

Waterfowl, raptors, shorebirds, and passerines—Las Gallinas is always an interesting place, with chances to see otters and coyotes as well as birds. The walk is level, along the pond levees, and many birds are close and easily seen. This is a good beginning walk and also offers a wide variety of species.

Take Hwy. 101 north through San Rafael and exit at Smith Ranch Rd. (also marked for Lucas Valley Rd.). Turn right (east) onto Smith Ranch Rd. and continue toward the park at end of road. Turn left at the small sign for Las Gallinas and wildlife viewing and go to the end to the parking lot and restrooms.

Bike Trip: Quarry Lakes, Alameda Creek, and Coyote Hills

Fremont, Alameda County

Saturday, March 13

Kathy Jarrett, 510.547.1233, kathy_jarrett@yahoo.com

Meet at 9 a.m. on the east side of the Fremont BART station in the parking lot. Trip ends at BART between 3 and 4 p.m. We will see birds from the time we step off the BART train and will experience various habitats: riparian, marsh, and bayside. Total distance is 24–30 miles, mostly on paved bike trails. Bicycle helmet required. Bring lunch and liquids for a picnic at Coyote Hills. Dress for variable weather. Rain cancels. Reservations are not necessary, but an email or phone call is appreciated.

From I-880, take the Mowry Ave. exit east for 2.3 miles toward central Fremont. The Fremont BART parking lot is on the east side of the station past Civic Center Dr.

Corona Heights

San Francisco

Friday, March 19, 8 – 10 a.m.

Charles Hibbard; Brian Fitch; Dominik Mosur, polskatata@yahoo.com

Meet in front of the Randall Museum, 199 Museum Way, at the end of Museum Way off Roosevelt. We will enjoy views of the city and bay as we circle Corona Heights, checking the east canyon woodland and north forest for residents and migrants, as well as monitoring hilltop scrub and south cliff.

Coyote Hills Regional Park

Fremont, Alameda County

Sunday, March 21, 9 a.m. – noon

Anne Hoff, anne2210@sbcglobal.net

Catch the wintering waterfowl and shorebirds before they depart for the summer and see whether some early spring migrants are back and staking out their territories. Will the Great Horned Owls again nest in Hoot Hollow? Will the Rock Wrens hang around? Will we see more than 10 species of ducks? We’ll go find out. Heavy rain cancels.

From I-880, take Hwy. 84 toward the Dumbarton Bridge. Exit on Paseo Padre Pkwy. and go north 1.1 miles to Patterson Ranch Rd. Turn left, drive into the park, and stop at the farthest parking lot next to the visitor’s center. Parking is $5; bring exact change.

Lake Merritt and Lakeside Park

Oakland, Alameda County

Wednesday, March 24, 9:30 a.m. – noon

Hilary Powers, 510.834.1066, hilary@powersedit.com; Ruth Tobey, 510.528.2093, ruthtobey@earthlink.net

Meet at the large spherical cage near the Nature Center at Perkins and Bellevue. We will bird around there, then go up the garden path toward Children’s Fairyland or walk down the lake toward Embarcadero, after which we will cover what we missed. This is the beginning of spring at Lake Merritt. Come see the regular visitors and, with luck, a few surprises, too.

Take the 12, N, or NL bus to Grand and Perkins, and walk into the park on Perkins. Best parking is at the boathouse lot near the spherical cage. Entry (via Bellevue near Children’s Fairyland) is free on weekdays.

Bike Trip: American River Trail

Saturday – Sunday, March 27 – 28
Kathy Jarrett, 510.547.1233, kathy_jarrett@yahoo.com

This trip follows the fairly flat, 23-mile American River Trail between Sacramento and Folsom, which is rich in birdlife. Many birds can also be seen from the train, especially through Suisun Marsh. Meet on Saturday at 7:30 a.m. at the Emeryville Amtrak Station; the train arrives in Sacramento at 9:20 a.m. The trail begins at Discovery Park, about 2 miles from the Sacramento station. Trail access is easy from the station through Old Sacramento to the river and then to the park. We will stay overnight at the Larkspur Landing Hotel in Folsom (participants must make their own reservations). On Sunday, we’ll start from the Iron Point Light Rail Station in Folsom at 8:30 a.m. and return to the Bay Area via Amtrak from Sacramento at about 3:30 p.m., arriving in Emeryville at about 5:15 p.m. It is possible to make a one-day trip by driving to Folsom and using the Sacramento Light Rail system. Allow 2.5 hours to drive from the East Bay to Folsom. Recent riding experience is a must to ensure the stamina necessary for such a long ride. Trip is limited to 12 participants. Reservations are required; contact the leader.

Tilden Regional Park, Berkeley

Friday, April 2, 8:30 – 10:30 a.m.

Phila Rogers, 510.848.9156, philajane6@yahoo.com

We continue our monthly first Friday trips at Tilden Park. Meet at the parking lot at the north end of Central Park Dr. for a 1-mile, 2-hour-plus stroll through this lush riparian area. In early April, the spring breeding birds are returning, and many will be singing.  We’ll look for Black-headed Grosbeaks, Wilson’s Warblers, and Warbling Vireos, among others.

COYOTE CREEK Bicycle Bird Trip

San Jose, Santa Clara County

Saturday April 3, 2010

Leader: Kathy Jarrett

Phone 510-547-1233, email kathy_jarrett@yahoo.com

The scenic Coyote Creek Parkway meanders along Coyote Creek for 16.8 miles between Tully Rd and Anderson County Park. The northern part of the trail is maintained by the City of San Jose and the southern part by Santa Clara County. Hellyer County Park is also located on the Parkway. Coyote Creek is the focus of the park’s natural environment. A thick undergrowth and tall trees characterize the well defined creek channel which is home to many different species of wildlife. There are many small lakes along the trail which afford birding opportunities in addition to the riparian area along the creek itself.

Bicycle helmet required. Bring lunch and liquids. Rain cancels. All levels of birders and bicyclists welcome.

Rain cancels. Please contact us to make sure this trip will run.

Meet at 9 am in front of Stonegate Elementary School  on Gassman Dr in San Jose.

This trip will end around 3 pm.

Directions: Exit hwy 101 at Tully Rd in San Jose and go west . Turn (third) left on Sherlock Dr (If you pass the Tully Ballfields you have gone too far) ; turn right on Gassman Dr  at Stonegate Elementary School and park near the school. The entrance to Coyote Creek Parkway is near the back of the school.

Public Transportation: The leaders are not using public transportation on this trip. If you need a ride or can provide one, please contact us. The Curtner Light Rail Station is the closest to where we start, and the Santa Teresa Station is the closest to the end.

Information and maps online:

http://www.sjparks.org/Trails/images/Maps/MapCoyoteSouth1.pdf

http://www.sjparks.org/Trails/coyote/CoyoteMapSouth2.asp

http://www.sjparks.org/Trails/coyote/index.asp

http://www.sjparks.org/Trails/

COYOTE CREEK PARKWAY

http://www.sccgov.org/portal/site/parks/parksarticle?path=%252Fv7%252FParks%2520and%2520Recreation%252C%2520Department%2520of%2520%2528DEP%2529&contentId=15362b3deeb34010VgnVCMP2200049dc4a92____&cpsextcurrchannel=1

TRAIL MAP

http://www.sccgov.org/SCC/docs%2FParks%20and%20Recreation%2C%20Department%20of%20(DEP)%2Fattachments%2F159784coyote_trail.pdf

SANTA CLARA COUNTY VAT BICYCLE MAP

http://www.vta.org/schedules/bikeways_map.html

San Francisco Botanical Garden

Golden Gate Park

Sunday, April 4, 8 – 10:30 a.m.

Alan Ridley, allanrid@pacbell.net; Helen McKenna, 415.566.3241; Ginny Marshall; Dominik Mosur, polskatata@yahoo.com

Meet at the front gate of the garden in Golden Gate Park, 9th Ave. at Lincoln Way. This delightful section of the park has several micro-habitats that attract an array of resident, migrant, and vagrant birds. This monthly trip is oriented toward helping beginning birders develop their skills in spotting and identifying birds.

Bike Trip: Big Break and Marsh Creek Regional Trails

Eastern Contra Costa County

Saturday, April 10, 2010

Kathy and Blair Jarrett, 510.547.1233, kathy_jarrett@yahoo.com

Meet at Fetzer Ln. and Jordan Ln. in Oakley. Each year, nearly half of the waterfowl and shorebirds migrating along the Pacific Flyway pass through the Sacramento Delta. A paved trail with views of freshwater marsh is an excellent place to see many species. Bring lunch and liquids. Dress in layers. Bicycle helmet required. Rain cancels. If you have room in your vehicle for an extra bicycle or if you need a ride, contact the leaders at the earliest opportunity. Reservations are not necessary, but an email or phone is appreciated. The leaders will not take public transit on this trip.

Take Hwy. 24 east toward Walnut Creek, then I-680 north to Hwy. 242 north. From Hwy. 242, take Hwy. 4 east toward Stockton/Pittsburg. Stay to the right and follow the lanes signed for Rio Vista/Oakley/Hwy. 160; do not follow the Brentwood Bypass. Take the first exit, Hwy. 4/Main St. in Oakley; do not continue on Hwy. 160 to the Antioch Bridge. Go 1.1 mile and turn left at Big Break Rd. Go .2 mile and turn right on Vintage Pkwy. Go .8 mile and turn left onto Walnut Meadows Dr. After .5 mile, turn left onto Jordan Ln., which ends at Fetzer Ln. and entrance to the trail. Parking is on the street. For a map of the area, go to www.ebparks.org/parks/big_break.

Alcatraz Island

Monday, April 12: Allan Ridley, allanrid@pacbell.net-Tickets SOLD OUT. Please purchase tickets well in advance for May and June.

Wednesday, May 12: Bob Lewis, bob@wingbeats.org

Wednesday, June 9: Eddie Bartley, eddie@naturetrip.com

8:30 a.m. – 11 a.m.:  The ferry boards at 8:30 a.m. and sails at 9 a.m. Participants are able to stay on the island after the bird walk.

This trip, scheduled monthly through the spring, is offered exclusively to Golden Gate Audubon Supporting Members and is limited to 10 participants. Expect to see numerous breeding birds: Western and California Gulls, Brandt’s and Pelagic Cormorants, Pigeon Guillemots, Snowy Egrets, Black-crowned Night-Herons, and Black Oystercatchers.

Reserve your spot by contacting Stephanie Strait, GGA Office Manager, ggas@goldengateaudubon.org or 510.843.2222. Once you have received confirmation, book space on the ferry with Alcatraz Cruises at 415.981.7625 or www.alcatrazcruises.com. Buy a ticket ($26) for the 9 a.m. Early Bird Tour. Tickets sell out several days in advance, so reserve as soon as possible. The ferry departs from Pier 33, near the corner of Bay St. and Embarcadero. Each walk is about 1.5 hours.

Corona Heights

San Francisco

Friday, April 16, 8 a.m. – 10 a.m.

Charles Hibbard; Brian Fitch; Dominik Mosur, polskatata@yahoo.com

Meet in front of the Randall Museum, 199 Museum Way, at the end of Museum Way off Roosevelt. We will enjoy views of the city and bay as we circle Corona Heights, checking the east canyon woodland and the north forest for residents and migrants, as well as monitoring the hilltop scrub and south cliff.

Mines Road

Alameda County

Saturday, April 24

Dave Quady, 510.704.9353, davequady@att.net.

This trip begins in Livermore at 8 a.m. and concludes there in the early evening, with opportunities to end earlier if you wish. We can expect to see Lewis’s Woodpecker, Phainopepla, and Bullock’s Oriole in this habitat. Wild Turkey, Greater Roadrunner, and Golden Eagle are among other possibilities. The trip is limited to 20 participants; contact the leader to sign up. Carpooling is encouraged to and from Livermore, and is essential during the day because of the limited parking along our route. The leader will provide directions and carpooling information to those confirmed on the trip. Bring food and liquids.

Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve

Contra Costa County

Sunday, April 25, 8 a.m. – noon

Rusty Scalf, rscalf@sonic.net

Join Rusty Scalf for a morning of birding in the Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve. Meet Rusty at in the parking lot located at the preserve entrance.

From Hwy. 24 take Fish Ranch Rd. immediately east of the Caldecott Tunnel. Continue .8 mile to Grizzly Peak Blvd. Turn left and go 2.4 miles on Grizzly Peak to Skyline Blvd. Turn left and drive .1 mile to the preserve entrance on the left. For maps and additional details, go to www.ebparks.org/parks/sibley.

Lake Merritt and Lakeside Park

Oakland, Alameda County

Wednesday, April 28,  9:30 a.m. – noon

Hilary Powers, 510.834.1066, hilary@powersedit.com; Ruth Tobey, 510.528.2093, ruthtobey@earthlink.net

Meet at the large spherical cage near the Nature Center at Perkins and Bellevue. We will bird around there, then go up the garden path toward Children’s Fairyland or walk down the lake toward Embarcadero, after which we will cover what we missed. Now, at the beginning of spring at Lake Merritt, come see all our regular visitors and, with luck, a few surprises, too.

Take the 12, N, or NL bus to Grand and Perkins, and walk into the park on Perkins. The best parking is at the boathouse lot near the spherical cage. Entry (via Bellevue near Children’s Fairyland) is free on weekdays.

Yosemite National Park

Friday – Sunday, June 4 – 6

Dave Quady, 510.704.9353, davequady@att.net; Dave Cornman

The lower and middle elevations of Yosemite National Park are alive with singing birds in late May and early June. A variety of habitats supports a rich diversity of birdlife, typically including seven flycatchers (three Empidonax), three vireos, seven warblers, and many other species in full song and breeding plumage. This trip is limited to the first 20 participants who sign up with the leader.

Past participants have camped at Hodgdon Meadow in the park (reservations necessary, as the campground fills up fast) or stayed in campgrounds or commercial lodgings outside the park’s Big Oak Flat entrance. Detailed information, including meeting times and locations as well as lodging suggestions, will be provided to those confirmed on the trip. Confirmed participants should bring warm clothes, rainwear, and rubber boots for wet meadows, as well as lunches for Saturday and Sunday. Be prepared to walk about 3 miles each day. Carpooling is encouraged.